Pongau Grass Mountains

Naturally triggered loose-snow avalanches due to higher temperatures

Naturally triggered loose-snow avalanches due to higher temperatures

At high altitude, freshly generated snowdrifts require attentiveness, a slab can be triggered even by minimum additional loading. Danger zones occur mostly near ridgelines and in steep gullies. Frequency of danger zones increases with ascending altitude. As a result of solar radiation, naturally triggered small loose-snow avalanches can be expected in extremely steep terrain. Below 2300 m, naturally triggered small glide-snow avalanches are possible on very steep grass-covered slopes.

The snowfall from Wednesday/Thursday (5-15 cm) has settled due to higher temperatures and solar radiation. Esp. at high altitudes on the Main Alpine Ridge there are snowdrift accumulations generated by strong-to-stormy foehn winds. Rising temperatures and solar radiation will moisten the fresh snow, quickly lose firmness. The old snowpack itself has weak layers at high and high-alpine altitudes, artificial triggerings unleashed mostly near-surface avalanches. At intermediate altitudes the old snow is thoroughly wet. Below 1400 m there is hardly any snow on the ground.

Lots of clouds, some sunshine, clouds (most in Tauern) will disperse over the day. At high altitudes in the Tauern, southerly foehn wind at 40-60 km/h. At 2000 m: 0 to 4 degrees, at 3000 m: -5 degrees.

On Saturday, sunny, still warmer, less wind. Moistening of the snowpack on shady slopes will come to the foreground. Naturally triggered avalanches (loose, some slabs) in high alpine starting zones on sunny slopes.